Local Liberal Democrat campaigners are celebrating after South Gloucestershire councillors voted to introduce a direct bus service from Chipping Sodbury to Southmead Hospital.

The service is an extension of the 82 service that currently runs from Yate to Southmead. The extended route was approved by councillors yesterday after a motion was proposed by Lib Dem councillor Pat Hockey at a meeting of the Council’s Planning, Transport and Strategic Environment Committee.

Lib Dem Councillor for Chipping Sodbury, Adrian Rush said: “Up until now there has been no direct bus service between Chipping Sodbury and Southmead Hospital. This has led to patients and visitors being forced to wait for a connection at Yate. This new service is excellent news for local residents.”

Lib Dem Transport Spokesperson, Pat Hockey said: “Many vulnerable people rely on the bus to get to Southmead Hospital. As a Council, we have a duty to promote greater accessibility to public transport and so I was pleased that we were able to secure funding for this new direct service.”